THE Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, led a rogation walk to bless all aspects of agriculture and the countryside, hosted by St Swithun’s Church, Sandford.

The event started at Aller Barton where Richard and Rosie Cheriton welcomed nearly 60 people to watch the afternoon milking.

Then the procession walked across the fields, where Rev Nigel Guthrie prayed for the countryside, and around the orchard where Barny and Alfie Butterfield prayed for our orchards, allotments and gardens.

At Cross Barton, Councillor Margaret Squires prayed for farms and buildings and along the road to a field of fine sheep where Jim Stephens, chairman of the local NFU prayed for the livestock of the parish.

Jo Jones of the Farming Community Network led prayers for the dairy industry.

Rob Cheriton, chairman of the local Young Farmers’ Club, prayed for the crops and Simon Nuthall prayed for the wildlife of the area.

Everyone was warmly welcomed back at Cross Barton by John and Angela Crooke for a talk by the Bishop and a very fine bring and share tea.

It was said to be a great afternoon and thanks went to the Cheriton and Crooke families for allowing use of their farmland.